Multi-purpose cleaning device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a multi-purpose cleaning device including a first body having a washing space in which the laundry is washed, a water supply unit supplying water to the space, a second body installed above the first body and including an accommodation space accommodating water and an opening area allowing water to flow to the washing space therethrough, a cover unit covering the opening area to implement a first state in which water is pooled in the second body and exposing the opening area to implement a second state in which water and the laundry to pass therethrough, and a controller controlling the first and second bodies and the cover unit on the basis of a control command input from the outside.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/107,744,filed on Jun. 23, 2016, which is a National Stage Application ofInternational Application No. PCT/KR2013/012196 filed Dec. 26, 2013,which claims priority from Korean Application No. 10-2013-0162981 filedon Dec. 26, 2013, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a multi-purpose cleaning deviceperforming a cleaning function according to a mode, as a cleaning devicefor washing clothes.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a washing machine is installed in a space where water supplyis required in a house. However, as houses for singles have increased,spaces for disposing home appliances has been reduced. Thus, recently,home appliances having a small capacity and products having functionswhich are simply and quickly performed have been favored.

As products having various functions and characterful shapes have beenmanufactured, it may be difficult to dispose different products in arelatively narrow space.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a multi-purpose cleaningdevice capable of effectively utilizing a relatively narrow space.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided amulti-purpose cleaning device including: a first body having a washingspace in which the laundry is washed; a water supply unit supplyingwater to the space; a second body installed above the first body andincluding an accommodation space accommodating water and an opening areaallowing water to flow to the washing space therethrough; a cover unitcovering the opening area to implement a first state in which water ispooled in the second body and exposing the opening area to implement asecond state in which water and the laundry to pass therethrough; and acontroller controlling the first and second bodies and the cover unit onthe basis of a control command input from the outside.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the multi-purposecleaning device may further include: a coupling unit formed between thefirst and second bodies to fix the second body to the first body; and abuffer unit formed in the coupling unit to buffer vibration between thefirst and second bodies.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when a washing mode inwhich the laundry is washed is activated in the first body in which thelaundry is washed, the controller may perform control to separate atleast portions of the first and second bodies in order to buffer thevibration.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the cover unit mayinclude a moving block to move the cover unit, and a guide unit guidingmovement of the moving block may be formed in a region of the secondbody.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the cover unit mayinclude a plurality of assembly members coupled such that edges thereofare in contact with each other, and the coupling of the plurality ofassembly members may be released to allow the water to pass therethroughin the second state.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the plurality ofassembly members may be switched to the second state by pressurizationtoward an interior of the first body.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the first body mayfurther include a washing tub forming the washing space, a drainagespace may be formed between an inner surface of the first body and anouter circumferential surface of the washing tub to allow water to bedischarged outwardly therefrom, and the cover unit may move to cover thewashing tub and allow water to flow to the drainage space.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the controller maycontrol the cover unit to the first state or the second state on thebasis of activation of the washing mode in which the laundry is washedin the first body.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when the first body isdriven in a dry stage of the washing mode, the controller may controlthe cover unit to maintain the first stage.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when water is suppliedfrom the water supply unit in the first state, the controller maytemporarily deactivate the washing mode.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the multi-purposecleaning device may further include: a sensing unit sensing whetherwater is accommodated in the cover unit; and an analyzing unit analyzinga reproducible state of the water.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when water isaccommodated, the controller may control the cover unit to the firststate or the second state on the basis of the reproducible state.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when water is suppliedfrom the water supply unit, the controller may maintain the cover unitin the first state.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the controller mayswitch the cover unit to the second state in a water supply stage of thewashing mode.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the cover unit may havea transparent display unit outputting an image, and when the washingmode is activated, the controller may control the display unit to outputan opaque image.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when the washing modeis activated, the controller may output information associated with thewashing mode on the display unit.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when the sensing unitsenses that water is accommodated in the cover unit for a preset periodof time, the controller may control the cover unit to allow the water toflow out to the second body on the basis of a driving stage of thewashing mode.

In an example related to the present disclosure, when the washing modeof the first body in which the laundry is washed is changed to aninactive state and water supply from the water supply unit is cut off,the controller may control the cover unit to be switched to the secondstate.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the cover unit mayinclude a hole formed to allow the water to pass therethrough and astopper formed to be inserted into the hole and released therefrom,wherein the stopper may be inserted into the hole or released therefromaccording to a user's control command.

In an example related to the present disclosure, while the washing modeis being activated, the controller may control an insertion or releasestate of the stopper on the basis of the driving stage of the washingmode.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present disclosure, since a cleaning or washingfunction may be used in a narrow space, space utilization may beenhanced and a small amount of laundry may be effectively washed.

In addition, since whether to reuse (or recycle) water is determinedaccording to a mode of the cleaning device, a water resource may besaved.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-purpose cleaningdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the multi-purpose cleaning device of FIG.1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are conceptual views illustrating changes in statesaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-purpose cleaningdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow charts illustrating a control method forcontrolling switching of a state according to each embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a control method for controlling acover unit on the basis of a driving mode of a multi-function cleaningdevice.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart illustrating controlling of a body unitaccording to a driving state of a washing tub.

FIG. 7B is a conceptual view illustrating a control method of a displayunit provided in a cover unit.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual view illustrating controlling of first and secondbody units on the basis of a driving state of the first body unit.

BEST MODES

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers referto like elements throughout although the embodiments are different, anda description of the like elements a first embodiment will be used forthose of the different embodiment. In the following description, usageof suffixes such as ‘module’, ‘part’ or ‘unit’ used for referring toelements is given merely to facilitate explanation of the presentinvention, without having any significant meaning by itself. Indescribing the present invention, if a detailed explanation for arelated known function or construction is considered to unnecessarilydivert the gist of the present invention, such explanation has beenomitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art. Theaccompanying drawings of the present invention aim to facilitateunderstanding of the present invention and should not be construed aslimited to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-purpose cleaningdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 isan exploded view of the multi-purpose cleaning device of FIG. 1, andFIG. 3A is a conceptual view illustrating changes in states according tovarious embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a multi-purpose cleaning device includes afirst body 100, a second body 200, and a coupling unit 300. The secondbody 200 is mounted on the first body 100 through the coupling unit 300.The first and second bodies 100 and 200 are configured as independentmembers and connected by the coupling unit 300, and while themulti-purpose cleaning device is being driven, the first and second bodyunits 100 and 200 are not separated.

The multi-purpose cleaning device includes a water supply unit 203formed in the second body unit 200 and supplying water to the first andsecond body units 100 and 200. A shape of the water supply unit 203 isnot limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1 and the water supply unit 203may include a plurality of structures installed in different regions.

For example, the water supply unit 203 may include a first water supplystructure installed in the second body unit 200 and supplying water toboth the first and second body units 100 and 200 and a second watersupply structure installed within the second body unit 200 and supplyingwater only to the second body unit 200.

The first body unit 100 includes a washing space 101 for washing thelaundry therein. That is, the washing tub washing clothes, or the like,using water and a detergent is received in the washing space 101.

Also, the second body unit 200 may include an accommodation space 201formed to accommodate water that pools therein. The accommodation space201 and the washing space 101 communicate with each other to allow waterto flow therein. The second body unit 200 further includes a cover unit210 formed to allow water to pool in the accommodation space 201.

The cover unit 210 is formed between the first and second body units 100and 200 or formed in a region of the second body 200. The cover unit 210may operate to a first state and a second state in which movement statesof water are different to each other.

Here, the first state is a state in which the washing space 101 and theaccommodation space 201 communicate with each other to allow water toflow from the accommodation space 201 to the washing space 101. Thecontroller may switch the multi-purpose cleaning device to the firststate or the second state on the basis of a position of the cover unit210 or a control command from a user. (a) of FIG. 1 illustrates thefirst state and (b) of FIG. 1 illustrates the second state.

For example, as illustrated in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1, the cover unit 210is installed in the first and second body units 100 and 200 such thatthe washing space 101 and the accommodation space 201 are separated. Thecover unit 210 is formed to allow water supplied from the water supplyunit 203 to pool in the cover unit 210 and the second body unit 200 inthe first state.

In the first state, the water supply unit 203 is preferably formed to behigher than a position of the cover unit 210 in the second body unit200. Thus, in the first state, water is supplied to the second body unit200, and in the second state, water is supplied to the first body unit100.

A shape of the cover unit 210 is not limited, but the cover unit 210 mayhave a curved surface allowing water to pool therein, and may have aconcave shape to allow a user to use water. Also, the cover unit 210 ispreferably formed to have a shape corresponding to a shape of across-section of the washing space 101 and the accommodation space 201.That is, in the first state, an outer circumferential surface of thecover unit 210 is formed to be in contact with a portion of an outercircumferential surface of the second body unit 200 forming theaccommodation space 201. Although not shown in the drawings, a packingring formed of rubber to block a flow of water may be formed on an outercircumferential surface of the second body unit 200.

In the second state in which the cover unit 210 has moved, water pooledin the cover unit 210 cover unit 210 flows out to the washing space 101.Also, in the second state, water flowing out by the water supply unit203 may directly move to the washing space.

The second body unit 200 may further include a control device 202receiving a control command for driving the multi-purpose cleaningdevice. The control unit included in the multi-purpose cleaning devicemay control the water supply unit 203, the cover unit 210, and thewashing tub formed in the first body unit 100 or may switch the firststate to the second state or the second state to the first state.

Referring to FIG. 2, the multi-purpose cleaning device further includesthe coupling unit 300 assembling the first and second body units 100 and200. The coupling unit 300 includes a first coupling member 310protruding from the first body unit 100, a second coupling member 320formed by depressing a region of the second body unit 200 such that thefirst coupling member 310 is inserted thereinto, and a buffer unit 330formed in the second coupling member 320 and the first coupling member310.

The buffer unit 330 is formed to surround the first coupling member 310in a state in which the first coupling member 310 is inserted into thesecond coupling member 320, thus elastically supporting the first andsecond body units 100 and 200.

The buffer unit 330 may be formed to be outwardly disposed or may not beexposed in a state in which the first and second body units 100 and 200are coupled. The buffer unit 330 may be formed of an elastic material ora material absorbing an impact. For example, the buffer unit 330 may beformed of a spring.

Thus, the buffer unit 330 may absorb an impact (vibrations) that occurswhen the washing tub within the first body unit 100 is driven and rotateto wash the laundry such that the impact may not be transmitted to thesecond body unit 200.

A movement structure of the cover unit 210 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and(a) and (b) of FIG. 3A. The cover unit 210 includes a moving block 221moving along a region of the second body unit 200 to switch the firststate to the second state. Also, the second body unit 200 includes aguide unit 222 formed on an inner circumferential surface and fixed to aregion of the moving block 221 to guide rotation (movement) of the coverunit 210. The moving block 221 and the guide unit 222 may be formed inplurality. That is, as an inner surface of the cover unit 210 may moveto scrape along an inner circumferential surface of the second body unit200 by the moving block 221 and the guide unit, the cover unit 210 maybe switched to the second state. Accordingly, water pooled in the coverunit 210 passes through the accommodation space 201 to move to thewashing space 101.

Hereinafter, specific examples in which the first state is switched tothe second state according to other embodiments will be described.

Referring to (a) and (c) of FIG. 3A, the cover unit 210 includes a holeformed in a region thereof and a stopper 211 formed to block the hole.The stopper 211 is formed to open and close the hole. For example, thestopper 211 is formed to close the hole in the first state to preventmovement of water flowing out through the hole, and open the hole toallow water to flow out in the second state. That is, in the secondstate, the stopper 211 is formed to move upwardly or downwardly from thecover unit 210. For example, the stopper 211 may be moved on the basisof pressure applied by the user or a control command input to thecontrol device 202 and may be returned, thus switching from the firststate to the second state or from the second state to the first state.

In the second state, water pooled in the cover unit 210 may flow out tothe washing space 101 of the first body unit 100.

Preferably, the hole is formed at the center of the cover unit 210. Forexample, in a case in which the cover unit 210 is formed to have aconcave shape, when the stopper 211 is separated from the hole, waterpooled at the center of the cover unit 210 may entirely flow toward thefirst body unit 100 by gravity.

Referring to (a) and (d) of FIG. 3A, the cover unit 210 is formed to bemovable in a gravitation direction (that is, a direction in which watermoves) in a state in which water is discharged to outside of the secondbody unit 200 but movement thereof toward the washing space 101 isprevented.

For example, the washing tub is received in the washing space 101 of thefirst body unit 100, and the washing space 101 may have a drainage space102 differentiated from an internal space of the washing tub. In thethird state, the cover unit 210 may be moved such that the accommodationspace 201 communicates with the drainage space 102, while blocking thewashing tub. An arrest portion on which the cover unit 210 is mountedmay be further formed to block the washing tub, or the washing tub mayfurther include a mounting structure on which the cover unit 210 ismounted.

According to the present embodiment, water provided from the watersupply unit 203 in the third state cannot move to the washing tub but isseparately drained through the drainage space 102.

In the first state, the user may use water accommodated by theaccommodation space 201 and the cover unit 210. In the second state, theuser may drain water or drive the washing tub using used water or usingwater supplied by the water supply unit 203. In the third state, drainedwater cannot flow to the washing tub, thus being prevented from be usedagain, and may be drained.

A structure of the cover unit and switching of a state according toanother embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3B.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the cover unit 210 includes a plurality ofassembly members formed such that edges thereof are in contact with eachother. The number of the assembly members forming the cover unit 210 isnot limited to those illustrated in the drawing. The assembly membersmay be separated to be spaced apart from one another and assembled againon the basis of the first and second states.

Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 3B, in the first state, the pluralityof assembly members are formed to be in contact with each other. Thatis, the assembly members do not form a gap therebetween, limitingmovement of water provided from the water supply unit 203.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 3B, the plurality of assembly members are movedsuch that the edges thereof in contact with each other are separated onthe basis of user's pressure or a control command. Here, however, oneedge of each of the plurality of assembly members is maintained to be incontact with an outer circumferential surface of the second body unit200 in the second state.

That is, the plurality of assembly members are rotatably moved at apreset angle in relation to the sides thereof in contact with the secondbody unit 200, and are changed to form an opening area allowing water tomove therethrough at a central portion of the cover unit 210 on thebasis of the rotational movement of the assembly members.

Alternatively, the plurality of assembly members may be formed of anelastic material having elasticity. Thus, the cover unit 210 may havethe opening area formed to allow water to move therethrough as theassembly members are deformed by pressurization of the user and theedges in contact with each other are open. In this case, when thepressurization by the user is released, the assembly members are changedto come into contact with each other.

According to the present embodiment, water accommodated by the coverunit 210 moves to the washing space 101.

Meanwhile, referring to (c) of FIG. 3B, the cover unit 210 includes aplurality of assembly members having edges in contact with each other.Also, a central portion of the plurality of assembly members protrudesupwardly to form an opening area.

On the basis of the shape of the edge of the second body unit 200, thecover unit 210 may be switched to the second state or the third stateaccording to movement of the plurality of assembly members. In a case inwhich a region of the second body unit 200 surrounding the cover unit210 has a concave shape, the cover unit 210 is switched to the secondstate. Meanwhile, in a case in which a region of the second body unit200 surrounding the cover unit 210 is formed to be narrow, the coverunit 210 may be switched to the third state.

According to the present embodiment, the user may discharge wateraccommodated by the cover unit 210 to outside of the first and secondbody units.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-purpose cleaningdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Themulti-purpose cleaning device according to the present embodimentincludes a first body unit 100 having an internal space and a cover unit210 formed in a region of the first body unit 100 to open and close theinternal space.

An outer surface of the first body unit 100 may have a quadrangularshape, and a washing tub formed to wash the laundry may be received inthe internal space.

The cover unit 210 may be formed to traverse one cross-section of thefirst body unit 100 formed in a direction perpendicular to thegravitation direction (parallel to the ground) in order to divide theinternal space. The cover unit 210 may move in a direction parallel tothe ground so as to be driven to open and close the washing tub. Thecover unit 210 may be driven by pressurization of the user or a controlcommand. A state in which the cover unit 210 divides the internal spacemay be defined as a first state, and a state in which the washing tub isexposed by the cover unit 210 may be defined as a second state.

The cover unit 210 may expose the washing tub in a sliding manner.Through slidable movement of the cover unit 210, a region of the coverunit 210 may be received to a region of the first body unit 100 or mayprotrude to outside of the first body unit 100.

A water supply unit 203 is preferably formed in a region of the coverunit 210 of the first body unit 100. The first body unit 100 may furtherinclude a control device 202 formed in a region to control the coverunit 210 and driving of the washing tub.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow charts illustrating a control method forcontrolling switching of a state according to each embodiment.

A control method for controlling reuse of water will be described withreference to FIG. 5A. A controller provided in the multi-purposecleaning device may control movement of water on the basis of a controlcommand applied by the user or a driving state of the multi-purposecleaning device.

The controller determines whether water is accommodated in the coverunit 210 (S10). The controller further includes a sensing sensor (notshown) for determining whether water is accommodated in the cover unit210. The sensing sensor may be installed in the cover unit 210 andimplemented as a pressure sensor sensing a weight of the accommodatedwater.

When it is sensed that water is accommodated in the cover unit 210, thecontroller determines whether the first body unit (the washing tubreceived in the first body unit) is in a washing mode (S20). Here, thewashing mode refers to a state in which the laundry is being washed bythe washing tub, that is, a state in which the washing tub is activated.Meanwhile, a cleaning mode refers to a state in which water provided bythe water supply unit 203 is accommodated by the cover unit 210.

The controller controls the cover unit 210 to maintain the accommodationstate of water in case of the washing mode (S31). Also, when the washingmode is maintained, the controller controls the cover unit 210 to drainwater (S32). Here, a state in which water is drained refers to a statein which water is not introduced to the washing tub but is discardedthrough a draining unit.

In case of the cleaning mode, the controller determines whether thewater is to be reused (S40). Here, whether to reuse water may bedetermined on the basis of a user setting or a control command by theuser.

When it is determined to reuse the water, the controller switches thecover unit 210 to the second state to allow water to flow to the washingspace 101 (S51). That is, water pooled in the cover unit 210 after beingused flows out to the washing tub and is used to wash the laundry.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and, after thewafer moves to the washing tub, if the washing tub is not driven or ifthe washing tub undergoes a draining stage, the water may not be reusedbut be drained.

When the water is determined not to be reused, the controller controlsthe cover unit 210 to drain the water (S32).

Hereinafter, a control method for controlling a reusage state of wateraccording to a driving state of the multi-purpose cleaning device willbe described.

When the washing tub of the first body unit 100 is in a washing mode,the controller determines a driving stage of the washing mode (S21).Here, the driving stage may include a water supply stage, a detergentapplication stage, a cleaning stage, a rinsing stage, a spin-dry stage,and a dry stage.

When the washing mode is in the water supply stage, the controllerdetermines a state of the accommodated water (S41). Here, theaccommodated water refers to water which does not flow but isaccommodated by the cover unit 210.

Also, the multi-purpose cleaning device may further include a sensingunit (not shown) recognizing a contamination state of water accommodatedin the cover unit 210. The sensing unit is preferably formed in a regionof the cover unit 210 or the second body unit 200 where water isaccommodated.

The sensing unit senses a contamination state of water. For example, thesensing unit may detect a material dissolved in water to determine waterquality, or detect a contaminated concentration of water. For example,the sensing unit may detect whether a material that may damage clothesis dissolved in water, or an amount of impurities mixed in water.

When it is determined that water is contaminated in excess of a presetreference, the controller may control the cover unit 210 to drain thewater.

Meanwhile, when it is determined that a contaminated state of water isless than the preset reference so as to be good, the controller checks awashing level of the washing mode (S42).

Here, the washing level is a type of the laundry to be washed or adriving level of the washing tub according to a user setting. Forexample, when the washing level is a washing level of cloth that can beeasily damaged (for example, cloth that can be easily damage) or awashing level with a highly set disinfection (for example, infantclothing), the washing tub may be driven at different washing levels.

When a washing level of the washing tub being currently driven does notcorrespond to a preset reference, the controller may control the coverunit 210 to supply the accommodated water to the washing space (S52).

Thus, reusing water in an environment appropriate according tocircumstances, the multi-purpose cleaning device may save water andprevent damage to the laundry.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a control method for controlling acover unit on the basis of a driving mode of a multi-function cleaningdevice.

When water is supplied by the water supply unit (S11), the controllerdetermines whether the multi-purpose cleaning device is in a washingmode or a cleaning mode (S20).

In the case of the washing mode, the controller switches the cover unitto the first state (S53). Thus, in the case of the washing mode, a flowof water is first cut off. Accordingly, inflow of water may be cut offin each driving stage of the washing mode.

Also, when a user's control command is applied, the controller switchesthe first state to the third state (S54). That is, the user may controlthe cover unit 210 to drain used water. Accordingly, when themulti-purpose cleaning device is in the washing mode, inflow of water tothe washing tub is blocked, solving a problem in which driving of thewashing tub is interfered.

Meanwhile, in the case of the cleaning mode, the controller may switchthe cover unit to any one of the first to third states on the basis of acontrol command input from the user (S55). That is, in the case of thecleaning mode, the user may make used water introduced to the washingtub to reuse the same or may drain or accommodate the same by adjustingthe cover unit.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart illustrating controlling of a body unitaccording to a driving state of a washing tub. The controller checks adriving state of the washing tub received in the first body unit 100(S22). When the washing tub is being driven, the controller maintainsthe cover unit in the first state (S61).

That is, since water is prevented from being introduced to the washingtub by the cover unit 210, contamination of the laundry due to waterflowing to the washing tub may be prevented. Also, the controller maychange a display unit provided in the cover unit 210 to a blocking mode(S62).

Referring to FIG. 7B, the controller may have a transparent displayunit. Accordingly, the user may recognize a state of the washing space101 of the first body unit 100 in the first state.

When the washing tub is driven, the transparent display unit is switchedto the blocking mode so that the user may not view a state in which thewashing tub is being driven, in a case in which the washing tub is beingdriven. For example, the blocking mode is a state in which an opaqueimage is output such that the transparent display unit has an opaquecolor.

Thus, since the user may not be able to view the washing space 101, whenwater is accommodated using the cover unit 210, a cleaning function maybe performed in a state independent from driving of the first body unit100.

Also, the display unit provided in the cover unit 210 may furtherinclude a touch sensing unit (not shown) receiving a user's touch input.However, the touch sensing unit (not shown) may be controlled to beactivated only when water is not accommodated in the cover unit 210.

That is, when a touch input is applied to the display unit, thecontroller may receive the same and control the display unit to output agraphic image 210′ receiving a touch input to control the washing tub.That is, when water is not in use in the first state, the cover unit 210may be utilized as a control device for driving the washing tub.

According to the present embodiment, the user may check a state of thewashing space 101 in the first state by using the cover unit formed of atransparent material, use the cleaning function independently fromdriving of the washing tub by an output opaque image, or control thewashing tub in the first state by applying a touch input to the coverunit.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual view illustrating controlling of first and secondbody units on the basis of a driving state of the first body unit.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first body unit 100 vibrates on the basis ofdriving of the washing tub. In a state in which the first and secondbody units 100 and 200 are inserted into each other by the coupling unit300, vibration of the first body unit 100 is transmitted to the secondbody unit 200.

In this case, the controller may move the second body unit 200 to form aspace between the first and second body units 100 and 200. For example,the controller controls the multi-purpose cleaning device to move thesecond body unit 200 in a direction opposite to gravity. That is, themulti-purpose cleaning device may further include a support deviceformed to move the second body unit 200.

When a space is formed between the first and second body units 100 and200 and the buffer unit 330 supports the second body unit 200,vibrations due to driving of the washing tub may be alleviated by thebuffer unit 330.

As for the multi-purpose cleaning device described above, theconfiguration and method according to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure described above are not limited in its application, but theentirety or a portion of the embodiments may be selectively combined tobe configured into various modifications.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The embodiments of the present disclosure propose forms and controlmethod of an integrated cleaning device able to perform a cleaningfunction and a washing function, so as to be applied to variousindustrial fields related thereto.

1. A multi-purpose cleaning device comprising: a first body having awashing space in which laundry is washed; a water supply unit supplyingwater to the washing space; a second body installed above the first bodyand including an accommodation space accommodating water and an openingarea allowing water to flow to the washing space therethrough; a coverunit covering the opening area to implement a first state in which wateris pooled in the second body and exposing the opening area to implementa second state in which water and the laundry to pass therethrough; anda controller controlling the cover unit on the basis of a pressureapplied by user input, wherein the controller controls the cover unit tothe first state or the second state on the basis of activation of awashing mode in which the laundry is washed in the first body, whereinthe cover unit includes a moving block to move the cover unit, and aguide unit guiding movement of the moving block is formed in a region ofthe second body, wherein the cover unit includes a hole formed to allowthe water to pass therethrough and a stopper formed to be inserted intothe hole and released therefrom, wherein the stopper is inserted intothe hole or released therefrom on the basis of the pressure applied bythe user input to the controller, and wherein the cover unit rotates ormoves to be switched to the first state or the second state as thestopper is formed to close or open the hole to prevent or allow water toflow out through the hole.
 2. The multi-purpose cleaning device of claim1, further comprising: a coupling unit formed between the first andsecond bodies to fix the second body to the first body; and a bufferunit formed in the coupling unit to buffer vibration between the firstand second bodies.
 3. The multi-purpose cleaning device of claim 2,wherein when a washing mode in which the laundry is washed is activatedin the first body in which the laundry is washed, the controllerperforms control to separate at least portions of the first and secondbodies are separated in order to buffer the vibration.
 4. Themulti-purpose cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the first body furtherincludes a washing tub forming the washing space, a drainage space isformed between an inner surface of the first body and an outercircumferential surface of the washing tub to allow water to bedischarged outwardly therefrom, and the cover unit moves to cover thewashing tub and allow water to flow to the drainage space.
 5. Themulti-purpose cleaning device of claim 1, wherein when the first body isdriven in a dry stage of the washing mode, the controller controls thecover unit to maintain the first stage.
 6. The multi-purpose cleaningdevice of claim 1, wherein when water is supplied from the water supplyunit in the first state, the controller temporarily deactivates thewashing mode.
 7. The multi-purpose cleaning device of claim 1, whereinwhen water is accommodated in the cover unit, the controller controlsthe cover unit to the first state or the second state on the basis of areproducible state of the water.
 8. The multi-purpose cleaning device ofclaim 7, wherein when water is supplied from the water supply unit, thecontroller maintains the cover unit in the first state.
 9. Themulti-purpose cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the controllerswitches the cover unit to the second state in a water supply stage ofthe washing mode in which the laundry is washed, and wherein water isaccommodated in the first body unit in the water supply stage.
 10. Themulti-purpose cleaning device of claim 1, wherein when the sensing unitsenses that water is accommodated in the cover unit for a preset periodof time, the controller controls the cover unit to allow the water toflow out to the second body on the basis of a driving stage of thewashing mode in which the laundry is washed.
 11. The multi-purposecleaning device of claim 1, wherein when the washing mode of the firstbody in which the laundry is washed is changed to an inactive state andwater supply from the water supply unit is cut off, the controllercontrols the cover unit to be switched to the second state.
 12. Themulti-purpose cleaning device of claim 1, wherein while the washing modein which the laundry is washed is being activated, the controllercontrols an insertion or release state of the stopper on the basis of adriving stage of the washing mode.